What Do German Cockroaches Hate?

If you have witnessed a couple of roaches in your home, then be ready for dozens and hundreds as you turn your lights off; their party will begin.

German cockroaches are common household pests that can be difficult to eliminate. This is because they breed quickly and become resistant to various preventive measures.

Fortunately, there are some repellents that German cockroaches hate, which can help you keep them away.

Keep reading, as the article will explore each of them briefly.

This next part of the article will discover several repelling approaches that German roaches hate.

Then there will be a summary of what they hate, followed by frequently asked questions.

12 Natural Repellents That German Roaches Hate

German roaches are a common household pest. But there are several realistic ways to get rid of them.

Understanding what German cockroaches hate can help you keep your home and business free from these pests.

1. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is a popular choice when finding a natural way to get rid of pesky German cockroaches.

This powder-like substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny marine organisms. It contains microscopic particles sharp enough to kill pests like German cockroaches when they come in contact with it.

But what do German cockroaches hate about diatomaceous earth?

This works by dying out the exoskeleton of pests like German cockroaches, causing them to lose moisture and eventually die.

Unfortunately, it also has abrasive qualities that scratch and damage their bodies, making it hard for them to move around or function properly.

2. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly has been proven to be one of the few substances that German cockroaches truly hate and will avoid at all costs.

Petroleum jelly creates a barrier between the surfaces roaches may want to stay on, preventing them from getting traction when they walk across.

This is because its main ingredient is mineral oil, which renders their legs unable to grip anything, making it impossible for them to traverse across surfaces covered in petroleum jelly without getting stuck or slipping off.

3. Boric Acid

Boric acid is a naturally occurring mineral with insecticidal properties, making it an ideal solution for controlling German cockroach infestations.

Boric acid irritates the roach’s exoskeleton, causing dehydration and death. That’s what German cockroaches hate about it.

It also disrupts their reproductive cycle by preventing egg hatching, thus helping to reduce future populations.

However, when used correctly, boric acid can quickly eliminate large numbers of German roaches.

4. Neem

If you are looking for ways to eliminate German cockroaches effectively, neem oil may be your answer.

These annoying pests are known to invade kitchens and bathrooms, causing unsanitary conditions.

Fortunately, German roaches hate neem. Neem is a vegetable oil derived from the Azadirachta Indica tree native to India and Burma.

It has an incredibly strong odor that German cockroaches hate so much that it causes them to flee their nesting sites rather than risk coming into contact with it.

Neem can be used as a preventative measure or sprayed directly onto the roaches when needed, making it an ideal solution for residential and commercial properties.

5. Citrus

German roaches are unsightly, reproduce quickly, and can even spread diseases.

But luckily, by introducing certain citrus fruits into your environment, you could get rid of those pesky pests for good.

The smell and taste of citrus fruits have been proven to repel German cockroaches, as they hate it.

Studies show that when exposed to essential oils from these plants, such as lemon oil or orange peel extract, the insects tend to avoid certain surfaces or areas where they were previously found!

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a powerful insecticide that can be used against German cockroaches that hate and try to avoid getting in contact with it.

It works by dehydrating the insects, killing them through osmosis.

The sweetness of the sugar will lure the roaches, while the baking soda will destroy them when ingested.

The baking soda also creates an alkaline environment which is toxic for the roaches, causing them to die by dehydration and exposure to harsh alkaline conditions.

Additionally, baking soda is non-toxic for humans and safe for use in homes with children or pets.

7. Garlic

German cockroaches hate garlic, so this can be effective in controlling them.

You can use garlic in two ways, either through an oil spray or crushing some cloves and putting them around the perimeter of your property.

Both methods work well, With the crushed cloves providing extra protection as they give off more of their spicy scent.

Garlic has long been considered a natural deterrent for insects and pests, including German cockroaches.

It contains sulfur compounds which act as a repellent for the roaches, making it a useful way to keep them away from your house.

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, and many have reported that German roaches also hate it.

One way to use tea tree oil to keep German roaches away is by combining one part vinegar with four parts water and a few drops of tea tree oil.

To apply, spray this mixture around baseboards, windowsills, and other places that may be attractive to roaches.

With regular applications, the aroma of the tea tree oil can help repel German roaches from your home.

9. Eucalyptus Oil

German roaches can survive in virtually any environment, making them difficult to eliminate. But there’s hope:

Eucalyptus oil has been known to have some success as a repellent for roaches.

Eucalyptus oil has an extremely strong scent that German roaches hate.

To use it as a repellent, you will want to dilute it with water first, then spray the areas you think may be prone to a cockroach infestation.

10. Lavander Oil

German roaches, in particular, are sensitive to lavender oil and tend to avoid it.

When used correctly, lavender oil is a great way to reduce the presence of these pesky insects.

Of course, it would not always eliminate them, but it can help keep the population down and make your home less inviting for them.

To use it effectively against German cockroaches, place drops around entry points or areas they frequent. The strong scent will be enough to repel them from the site.

Lavender oil has many uses-both for humans and as an insect repellent!

11. Peppermint Oil and Cypress Oil

Both peppermint oil and cypress oil may repel certain species of roaches, including German roaches.

Peppermint has a strong smell that masks other odors and creates an environment that is inhospitable to them.

While cypress oil is believed to act as a natural insecticide that disrupts their nervous system when they come into contact with it.

The molecules in the oil confuse the insect’s sense of direction, so they can’t find their way back when they try to enter your house.

12. Mint Oil

Making mint essential oil yourself is an easy and inexpensive DIY solution to keep your home pest-free.

To make your mint essential oil, you will need freshly picked leaves from a mint or spearmint plant.

Place the fresh leaves in a blender with some coconut oil, blend until well combined, then strain out any remaining leaf pieces using cheesecloth or mesh strainer.

The resulting mixture will be an aromatic insect repellent that can be stored in containers and used throughout your home.

Conclusion

German cockroaches are unwelcome pests that require swift action to eradicate.

However, you can eliminate these pesky pests with a few simple methods mentioned above and keep them away for good.

First, clean your home regularly, eliminate food sources and seal off any entry points.

Next, use natural methods like boric acid, citrus, baking soda, and essential oils to help control the population.

Finally, remember that quick action is key-the earlier you detect an infestation, the easier it will be to get rid of it.